Predicting MCAT scores using practice tests

I recently came across a page at studentdoc that reveals research on the predictive success of popular MCAT practice tests from AAMC, Kaplan and The Princeton Review by comparing the results of these practice MCAT tests with students’ actual results on the real MCAT. The conclusion is that the best predictor or performance on the actual MCAT are the AAMC’s own practice tests. The AAMC practice tests were the best indicator when considering the composite score and considering individual score (biology, physics, verbal).

This research aligns with Dr. Flowers’ conclusion that he told me upon meeting him in 2005. He told me the best way to prepare for the MCAT is by using the AAMC practice tests as the benchmark for assessing your strengths and weaknesses, and then studying according to your MCAT weaknesses. Two years ago on this blog, Dr. Flowers responded to the sentiment that the AAMC is tries to trick students by writing "when there is appropriate preparation of content and skills using real MCAT’s, the specter of ‘trick questions’ will magically disappear. "

The AAMC’s practice tests are available at www.e-mcat.com. Additionally they can be purchased at discounts through a Dr. Flowers MCAT subscription. One AAMC practice test, 3R, is available for free from AAMC.

Dr. Flowers MCAT - UCLA Review

Over the Christmas break, I came across a review of Dr. Flowers MCAT by a student in a UCLA newsletter dated January 2007. It was the first time I’d seen this review, yet it aligned with other feedback we received at the time. The reviewer gave us a B- and highlighted PRICE as being his main objection.

At the time the reviewer bought our product, the cost was $995 for 6 months. Since then we’ve lowered our prices as follows:

     $295 for 2 months
     $495 for 4 months
     $595 for 6 months

Students can now buy more months as needed. Students can also get free months if they don’t meet their goals after following Dr. Flowers’ recommended study plan. One reason we can’t lower the price too much more is that our price includes the price of the AAMC practice exams so part of our price goes to pay AAMC for their practice tests for our clients.